KINSHASA, DR CONGO / RankWire.AI / – The Democratic Republic of the Congo has obtained an allocation of 70,000 Ebola vaccine doses as its Bundibugyo outbreak expands. The country’s health authorities reported 5,208 confirmed cases and 2,476 deaths as of Aug. 18. Currently, the epidemic affects 56 health zones across six provinces, with 1,115 recoveries recorded. Additionally, 730 patients are still in isolation or hospitalized as response teams operate in affected communities in eastern and northeastern DR Congo.
The International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision authorized the release following a request from the Congolese government. WHO confirmed that 20,000 Ervebo doses will be utilized in a Phase 3 clinical trial targeting Bundibugyo virus disease. The remaining 50,000 doses will be used to safeguard frontline workers and healthcare personnel under existing vaccination guidelines. On Aug. 20, WHO and Africa CDC expressed their support for the allocation. These doses originate from the global Ebola vaccine stockpile, which is designated for emergency responses when outbreaks demand swift vaccine access.
Ervebo is approved for preventing diseases caused by the Ebola virus, previously known as Zaire ebolavirus. However, it does not have specific approval for Bundibugyo virus disease. Laboratory and animal studies suggest potential cross-protection, but effectiveness in humans remains unverified. The upcoming clinical trial will gather evidence during the ongoing outbreak. Researchers will evaluate how well the vaccine performs against Bundibugyo virus disease under controlled trial conditions. It is also essential for health officials to communicate known risks, benefits, and the extent of existing evidence to vaccine recipients.
Outbreak spreads across six provinces
The epidemic began in Mongbwalu health zone in Ituri Province, where Bundibugyo virus disease was confirmed in May. Subsequently, cases appeared in North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, Tshopo, and Bas-Uele. WHO reported 4,665 cases and 2,184 deaths across 54 health zones by Aug. 12. Following this, national figures increased to 5,208 cases and 2,476 fatalities, with the number of affected zones rising to 56, indicating ongoing transmission in interconnected regions.
This marks the largest Ebola outbreak ever recorded in DR Congo. WHO described transmission as intense, with new infections continuing across multiple provinces. Insecurity, displacement, and frequent population movements have hampered surveillance and access to healthcare. Attacks on health facilities have further complicated response efforts in some areas. Health teams are actively tracing contacts, identifying new cases, expanding treatment capacity, and organizing safe burials. Congolese officials are also enhancing clinical care and surveillance while supporting response teams working in the six affected provinces.
Funding supports vaccine distribution and outbreak management
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, allocated $7 million to facilitate the shipment of the 70,000 Ervebo doses to DR Congo. An additional $6 million was committed through its First Response Fund. These funds will help sustain routine immunization services and prepare for Ebola vaccination campaigns. The International Coordinating Group oversees emergency vaccine allocations with assistance from partner organizations, including WHO, UNICEF, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and Médecins Sans Frontières.
The outbreak was officially declared by Congolese authorities on May 15, following laboratory confirmation of Bundibugyo virus disease. As there is no licensed vaccine or specific approved treatment for this strain, supportive care, early detection, and rapid isolation remain vital. WHO continues to assist in surveillance, clinical management, supply distribution, contact tracing, and community engagement. The 70,000-dose allocation adds a vaccination component targeting health workers and supports a clinical research initiative to assess Ervebo’s effectiveness against Bundibugyo virus disease.